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$16 Million Dispersed in Individual Assistance in North Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. -- The following is a summary of individual assistance distributed in North Dakota since the state received a presidential declaration June 8, 1999.

To date, more than 8,300 residents in the 42 declared counties and four Indian Reservations have registered for disaster assistance.

More than 5,500 disaster housing checks totaling more than $7.5 million has been issued to individuals to assist with temporary housing and minor home repairs which includes repetitive water damage.

State officials are processing more than 3,600 referrals for Individual and Family Grant (IFG) assistance. IFG may be used to cover disaster-related expenses, such as essential home repairs, replacement of personal property, transportation, and necessary expenses not covered by insurance or other programs. IFG may also assist with increased electricity bills as a result of excessive usage of water and sump pumps.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $3 million in low-interest disaster loans for home and business repair.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) remains available through the North Dakota Job Service for individuals who lost income because of the disaster including farmers, ranchers, farm workers, migrant farm workers, and other self-employed individuals. To date, more than 6,100 claims have been filed for DUA. More than $5.1 million in DUA has already been disbursed.

Also, more than $3.8 million has been obligated to the state for Public Assistance, which includes funds for the repair of roads and bridges, public buildings and utilities, and debris removal.

Individuals may apply for disaster assistance through September 7 by calling FEMA's toll-free registration line at 1-800-462-9029. The line is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday.